Siemens and Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) are currently introducing a new interlocking architecture which incorporates the latest in communications technology. Reto Wagner, head of electronic interlockings and track vacancy detection systems at Swiss Federal Railways (SBB), and Peter Hefti product lifecycle manager, Siemens Switzerland, outline Sinet.

In preparation for the start of test operations of the complete tunnel system in autumn 2015, over 650 test runs were carried out on a 13km section of the Gotthard base tunnel in a six-month pilot scheme which ended in June. Anitra Green reports from Switzerland on progress to date.

SWEDISH railfreight operator Green Cargo has signed a contract with Bombardier to install automatic engine stop-start technology on one of its diesel locomotives as part of a trial which aims to cut fuel consumption and emissions by reducing idling time.

Freight has always been an important business for Austrian Federal Railways, and the company's freight unit suffered a particularly rocky ride through the economic crisis. However, as Keith Barrow reports from Vienna, Rail Cargo Austria has taken the opportunity to address many long-term weaknesses in its structure with a reorganisation that is already yielding promising results.

THE Mayor of London Mr Boris Johnson unveiled artist's impressions on October 9 for London Underground's (LU) next generation small-profile train, 250 of which are due to enter service from the mid-2020s.

THE German subsidiary of Railroad Development Corporation (RDC), United States, has submitted proposals to DB Networks to take over operation of motor rail services between Niebüll and Westerland on the island of Sylt, which is only connected to the German main land by rail.

While high-speed lines have been built primarily to serve the inter-city market, regional travellers are also benefiting from the investment in new rail infrastructure. IRJ editors look at the development of regional high-speed in three European countries and consider the prospects for growth.

THE chairman and managing director of Athens metro operator Attiko Metro Mr Christos Tsitouras, and the vice-president of the European Investment Bank (EIB), Mr Mihai Tanasescu signed a €200m loan last month, the first installment in a €400m agreement to finance the extension of Thessaloniki metro Kalamaria extension.

THE Norwegian government has revealed plans to increase spending on the country's railway network to record levels next year as part of the 2015 state budget, which was announced on October 8.